Which is the best MA language programme for me?

A quick guide for applicants who want to do a language-related course: please consult the course web pages for more information

There are several possible MA programmes:

Please not that the  MALLE  is being replaced from October 2012 by the MA in Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching and the MA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching. See below for details.

MA in Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching (MA ALLT)(starting October 2012)

The one-year MA ALLT programme is designed for students with at least one year’s teaching experience who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning of any second or foreign language/s. It is expected that students will already have an understanding of the main approaches to language teaching and language analysis. The course will provide rich opportunities for reflection on practice, and for the development of the understanding underlying principles and theories of language teaching and learning. There is also a broad range of option modules to choose from. Teaching and learning activities include presentations by the tutor, small group discussions and practical activities (individual and pair work).  Summative assessments take the form of written assignments, exams, oral presentations and dissertations.

A relevant first degree is needed (e.g. a language, linguistics, psychology, or education), with a considerable language study component.

MA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching (MA ALELT) (starting October 2012)

The one-year MA ALELT programme is designed for students with at least one year’s teaching experience who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning of the English language. Like MA ALLT, it is expected that students will already have an understanding of the main approaches to language teaching and language analysis. The course will provide rich opportunities for reflection on practice, and for the development of the understanding underlying principles and theories of English language teaching and learning. There is also a broad range of option modules to choose from in Term 1. Teaching and learning activities include presentations by the tutor, small group discussions and practical activities (individual and pair work).  Summative assessments take the form of written assignments, exams, oral presentations and dissertations.

A relevant first degree is needed (e.g. a language, linguistics, psychology, or education), with a considerable English language study component.

MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The one-year MA TESOL programme is designed for students with little or no teaching experience who wish to become teachers of English as a Second or Foreign Language. The course will provide an introduction to the English language systems (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, language skills and discourse) and to the main approaches and methods in English language teaching. There is also a broad range of option modules to choose from. Teaching and learning activities include presentations by the tutor, small group discussions and practical activities (individual and pair work). Summative assessments take the form of written assignments, exams, oral presentations and dissertations.  On successful completion of this MA students will have a foundation knowledge appropriate for entering a relevant teacher training programme or entry level teaching employment (depending on context requirements).

From 2012 entry, TESOL applicants will need a relevant degree (English Language, Linguistics, or Education with a substantial English component) 

MA in Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL)

The TEYL is a distance-based, two-year part-time programme. The key requirement is that you can obtain data from classrooms for the assignments. You will normally be a practising teacher, with several years' teaching experience at kindergarten, primary or secondary level. Those with related experience, such as educational administration, or materials design, can apply if they have regular access to classroom data. There are eight assessed assignments (the last an action research project), but no final dissertation.

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